Loveland business owner invited to Bush library dedication

All five living U.S. presidents and one Loveland man are going to Dallas on Thursday.

David Balsiger, president and chief executive officer of Balsiger Media Enterprises, will attend the dedication of the George W. Bush Presidential Center as one of about 1,000 guests.

Balsiger scored an invitation to the small ceremony because of a documentary he worked on about the former president in 2004, which looked at Bush's faith and its role in his life.

"Well I think it's a pretty big honor because I'm not invited because I was a big donor or anything, so it wasn't money," Balsiger said. "I had heard through a third party that George W. Bush's mother really liked the documentary. I think it's just something they remembered and appreciated and felt the story was told correctly."

This isn't the first time Balsiger has found himself on the guest list for a presidential library opening. He was also present for the opening of President Ronald Reagan's library in California. Thursday gives him a chance to possibly meet five more presidents, a feat few are able to brag about.

"If you get a chance to meet one of these folks, that's kind of the frosting on the cake," Balsiger said. "I think there's probably going to be an opportunity somewhat close there, and maybe even have a chance to at least talk to some of the Bushes."

Cris Tiller can be reached at 669-5050, ext. 526, or tillerc@reporter-herald.com. Follow him on Twitter at @cristiller.

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